Have you locked yourself out of your car, business or home? Are you unable to figure out how to get in? Most of us go through this at some point, so knowing how to find a great locksmith is important. Here are some great suggestions to help you find a reputable locksmith.
If you have a key that says “do not duplicate” on it, you can still go to a locksmith and have them make you copies. Many people offer these keys because it encourages you to pay them to get duplicates. Most locksmiths won’t think twice before making you a spare.
If you are locked out of your car and you have AAA, call them and ask for a tow to a locksmith. Many times locksmiths charge you a bundle because they have to get to where you are. This is a great way to gain access to your vehicle for a lot less money.
You should do your research and have the name of a reliable locksmith on you at all times. Look for online reviews and get recommendations from people you know. You want to know that you are not being taken advantage of if and when you are in an emergency situation.
Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.
Find a locksmith who has current credentials and stays active in learning more about his trade. While it’s not a necessity, knowing that your locksmith is up to date on current trends and technological developments can be very reassuring. Choose this type of locksmith to ensure that you are safe.
Always ask locksmiths for professional references before hiring. Once you have them, give each a call. You will want the best possible job done for your home.
Make sure that any locksmith you hire is insured and bonded. If they are missing one or the other, it would be a good idea for you to hire someone else. Being bonded will help protect you against terrible workmanship and insurance will cover any damage done to your property.
Find out if the company you are considering working with has ever had another name. In some instances, companies switch their names because customers were unhappy with their work. This helps them escape negative reviews. While a company may not be honest with you about this, it does not hurt to ask.
Before you agree to hire any locksmith or think you can just call them at the drop of a dime, ask if they charge more for your specific location. Many businesses will add on extra charges if you happen to live more than 20 miles from their base location. Know this in advance to avoid an outrageous bill.
If you use these tips to find the best locksmith before you are locked out, your experience will be better when the worst finally happens. Make sure to do your homework early on. You will also be prepared and the situation will be resolved much more quickly when it does happen.